Child Quote by John Irving
““people can’t, unhappily, invent their mooring posts, their lovers and their friends, anymore than they can invent their parents.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The World According to Garp by John Irving, 1978
People cannot choose their family or close relationships; these bonds are given, not created.
In simple terms: You can’t pick your parents or close friends.
Key Takeaway
Accept the limits of control over relationships.
Themes
family
relationships
destiny
Mood
reflective
accepting
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- marriage
- friendship
- parenting
- support networks
Key Concepts
inheritance
attachment
social bonds
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you nurture chosen relationships?
- What limits exist in shaping family ties?
A Different Perspective
You can influence, but not fully control, who you become close to.
![“JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF ATHEISTS ARE BETTER WRITERS THAN THE GUYS WHO WROTE THE BIBLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THEM RIGHT!" [Owen Meany] said crossly. "LOOK AT THOSE WEIRDO TV MIRACLE-WORKERS--THEY'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC! BUT THE REAL MIRACLES AREN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN…” quote by John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70e/john-irving-337_atheists_just-because-a-bunch-of-atheists-are-bet_31804.jpg)
